Respiratory

Applications

AlfalfaAndrographisAngelicaArjunaAshitabaAstragalusBacopaBasilBhringarajBirchBlack CohoshBlack PepperBlessed ThistleBloodrootBlue CohoshBlue VervainBorageCacaoCardamomChamomileChickweedCinnamonCloveCodonopsisColeus / ForskolinColtsfootComfreyCordycepsCuminDamianaEchinaceaElderberryElecampaneEleutheroEvening PrimroseFennelFenugreekGarlicGingerGinkgoGoldensealGotu KolaGymnemaHoly BasilJiaogulanJuniperLavenderLemon VerbenaLemongrassLicoriceLinden / TiliaLomatiumMarshmallowMoringaMulleinNutmegOreganoOshaPau D'ArcoPelargonium / UmckaloaboPeppermintPine NeedlePlantainRed CloverRed RootReishi MushroomRose HipsSassafrasSaw PalmettoSchisandraSlippery ElmSpilanthes / Toothache PlantSt. John's WortStar AniseThymeTurmericVioletWild CherryWintergreenWood BetonyYerba Santa

Plants

Alfalfa

Medicago sativa

Traditional Chinese medicine: 'Mu Xu' used as a diuretic and for kidney stones, urinary infections, and edemaAyurvedic tradition: used as a nutritive tonic, diuretic, and to treat arthritis and digestive weaknessArab herbalism: first described as 'al-fisfisa' for horses but also used by humans for fatigue and vitamin deficiency

Andrographis

Andrographis paniculata

Ayurveda: Kalmegh — liver tonic, bitter digestive, antimalarial, and anti-infective; used in Kalmegh asava and other classical formulasTCM: Chuan Xin Lian — clears heat and toxins; used for upper respiratory infections, sore throat, and dysenteryThai traditional medicine: Fah Talai Jon — treatment of fever, cold, flu, and infections; widely sold as OTC herbal supplement in Thailand

Angelica

Angelica archangelica

Digestive disorders and poor appetiteRespiratory conditions and bronchitisNervous exhaustion and anxiety

Arjuna

Terminalia arjuna

Ayurveda: primary cardiac tonic (hridaya daurbalya); described in Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita for heart failure, palpitations, and anginaUnani medicine: used as mufarreh qalb (cardiac tonic) and for wound healingTraditional Indian medicine: treatment of fractures and bone injuries (accelerates callus formation)

Ashitaba

Angelica keiskei

Hachijojima Island tradition: consumed daily as a longevity vegetable by the famously long-lived island population; 'tomorrow's leaf' symbolizing vitality and renewalTraditional Japanese Kampo medicine: used for general debility, blood purification, and to invigorate the body; classified as warming and tonifyingTraditional use in Izu Islands for colds, fever reduction, and respiratory infections

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus

Immune system strengthening and "qi" tonificationChronic fatigue and weaknessDigestive disorders and poor appetite

Bacopa

Bacopa monnieri

Ayurveda: classified as medhya rasayana (intellect-promoting rejuvenative); used in Charak Samhita for enhancing memory, learning, and intelligenceAyurveda: treatment of epilepsy, anxiety, and psychological disorders; component of Brahmi ghrita formulation for mental healthTraditional use in India for asthma and bronchitis; expectorant and bronchodilator properties recorded

Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Digestive disorders and stomach upsetRespiratory ailments including coughs and bronchitisNervous tension and stress relief

Bhringaraj

Eclipta prostrata

Ayurveda: primary herb for all hair conditions; stimulates hair growth, prevents premature graying, and strengthens hair follicles; Bhringaraj taila (oil) is cornerstone of Ayurvedic hair careAyurveda: liver tonic and treatment for jaundice, hepatitis, and liver enlargement; classified as hepatoprotective rasayanaTCM: Mo Han Lian — used for liver and kidney yin deficiency causing dizziness, blurred vision, premature graying; hemostatic herb

Birch

Betula spp.

Arthritis and joint painSkin conditions including eczema and psoriasisUrinary tract infections and kidney stones

Black Cohosh

Cimicifuga racemosa

Menstrual irregularities and painful menstruationMenopause symptoms and hot flashesChildbirth facilitation and labor pains

Black Pepper

Piper nigrum

Digestive disorders and poor appetiteRespiratory conditions including coughs and asthmaArthritis and joint pain

Blessed Thistle

Cnicus benedictus

Digestive stimulant and appetite enhancementLiver and gallbladder supportLactation support in nursing mothers

Bloodroot

Sanguinaria canadensis

Skin conditions including warts and growthsRespiratory ailments and bronchitisRheumatism and joint pain

Blue Cohosh

Caulophyllum thalictroides

Labor induction and facilitation of childbirthMenstrual regulation and relief of dysmenorrheaTreatment of rheumatism and arthritis

Blue Vervain

Verbena hastata

Iroquois, Ojibwe, and other Algonquian peoples used blue vervain as a bitter tonic for digestive complaints and as a liver herbCherokee traditional medicine used root decoctions for stomach ailments, suppressed menstruation, and to expel wormsEastern Woodland tribes used blue vervain poultices for headaches, rheumatic joints, and skin eruptions

Borage

Borago officinalis

Inflammation and fever reductionRespiratory ailments and coughsSkin conditions and wound healing

Cacao

Theobroma cacao

Maya civilization: xocolatl (bitter cacao drink) consumed by elite warriors and royalty for energy, endurance, and ritual purposes; documented in Dresden CodexAztec tradition: cacao beans used as currency; frothy drink mixed with chili, vanilla, and spices used as a stimulant and tonic for staminaAmazonian indigenous traditions: fresh cacao pulp and seeds consumed for nutrition and sustained energy during hunting

Cardamom

Elettaria cardamomum

Digestive disorders and stomach upsetRespiratory ailments including asthma and bronchitisBad breath and oral hygiene

Chamomile

Matricaria chamomilla

European folk medicine for digestive disorders, insomnia, anxietyChildren's remedy for colic, teething pain, restlessnessWound healing and skin inflammation treatment

Chickweed

Stellaria media

Caryophyllaceae

Skin conditions and eczemaWounds, cuts, and burnsEye irritations and conjunctivitis

Cinnamon

Cinnamomum verum

Digestive disorders and stomach complaintsCold and flu symptomsMenstrual irregularities and reproductive health

Clove

Syzygium aromaticum

Dental pain and oral healthDigestive disorders and nauseaRespiratory infections and bronchitis

Codonopsis

Codonopsis pilosula

TCM: primary 'poor man's ginseng' tonic for spleen and lung qi deficiency; part of countless classical formulasShen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer's Classic): listed as a superior herb for fatigue, shortness of breath, and loss of appetiteKorean traditional medicine (Hanbang): used interchangeably with Panax ginseng for qi tonification at lower cost

Coleus / Forskolin

Plectranthus barbatus (syn. Coleus forskohlii)

Ayurveda (makandi/garmar): heart tonic for congestive heart conditions, hypertension, and anginaTraditional Indian medicine: treatment of abdominal colic, urinary retention, and painful menstruationUnani medicine: used for skin conditions including psoriasis and eczema

Coltsfoot

Tussilago farfara

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, asthma)Throat inflammation and laryngitisLung congestion and phlegm

Comfrey

Symphytum officinale

Bone fractures and bone healingWounds, cuts, and bruisesSprains and muscle injuries

Cordyceps

Cordyceps militaris

Cordycipitaceae

Tibetan medicine (sowa rigpa): Yartsa gunbu (caterpillar fungus) — used for 1,000+ years as prime lung tonic and aphrodisiac; reserved for royalty and the wealthyTCM: Dong Chong Xia Cao — tonifies lung and kidney yang; used for fatigue, impotence, night sweats, chronic cough, and kidney deficiencyAyurvedic adoption (Krimi Kalpa): some Indian traditions adopted cordyceps into their pharmacopeia for respiratory and energy tonic purposes

Cumin

Cuminum cyminum

Digestive disorders and flatulenceRespiratory ailments including bronchitisDiabetes and blood sugar regulation

Damiana

Turnera diffusa

Nervous system support and mood enhancementTraditional aphrodisiac and libido enhancementDigestive stimulant and stomach tonic

Echinacea

Echinacea purpurea

Native American remedy for snakebites, wounds, infectionsTreatment of respiratory infections and coldsImmune system support during illness

Elderberry

Sambucus canadensis

Cold and flu treatment and preventionFever reduction and respiratory infectionsImmune system support during illness

Elecampane

Inula helenium

Respiratory conditions (bronchitis, asthma, coughs)Digestive disorders and poor appetiteSkin conditions (scabies, eczema, wounds)

Eleuthero

Eleutherococcus senticosus

Traditional Chinese Medicine: tonic for spleen and kidney qi deficiency, fatigue, and lower back weakness (wu jia pi)Russian folk medicine: general tonic for stamina and endurance among forest workers and huntersSoviet-era adaptogen: extensively used by athletes, cosmonauts, and military personnel to enhance performance under stress (1960s–1980s research by Brekhman)

Evening Primrose

Oenothera biennis

Women's health and menstrual disordersSkin conditions including eczemaDigestive disorders and stomach upset

Fennel

Foeniculum vulgare

Digestive complaints (gas, bloating, colic)Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis)Lactation support and milk production

Fenugreek

Trigonella foenum-graecum

Diabetes and blood sugar regulationLactation support for nursing mothersDigestive disorders and constipation

Garlic

Allium sativum

Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman medicine for infections, woundsTraditional Chinese Medicine for yang deficiency, parasitesEuropean folk medicine for respiratory infections, high blood pressure

Ginger

Zingiber officinale

Traditional Chinese Medicine for digestive disorders, nausea, cold conditionsAyurvedic medicine for digestive fire (agni), respiratory conditionsMotion sickness and morning sickness relief

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba

Traditional Chinese Medicine for lung and kidney supportSeed used for respiratory conditions, urinary disordersMemory enhancement and cognitive support

Goldenseal

Hydrastis canadensis

Digestive disorders and infectionsRespiratory infections and sinusitisEye infections and conjunctivitis

Gotu Kola

Centella asiatica

Ayurveda: classified as medhya rasayana; used for improving memory, concentration, and intelligence; central to Brahmi ghrita formula (note: also used interchangeably with Bacopa monnieri as 'Brahmi')Traditional Southeast Asian medicine: wound healing and skin regeneration; leaves applied topically to cuts, burns, and ulcersTCM: Chi Xue Cao — diuretic, anti-inflammatory, detoxifying; used for urinary tract infections and dysentery

Gymnema

Gymnema sylvestre

Ayurvedic medicine: 'Gurmar' (sugar destroyer) used for over 2,000 years for madhumeha (diabetes); Charaka Samhita references it for urinary disorders and sweet cravingsTraditional Indian folk medicine: leaves chewed to suppress sugar cravings and appetite for sweets; used for weight managementSouthern Indian tribal medicine: used for snake and scorpion bites as an antidote

Holy Basil

Ocimum tenuiflorum

Respiratory conditions (colds, cough, asthma, bronchitis)Stress reduction and mental clarityDigestive disorders and stomach problems

Jiaogulan

Gynostemma pentaphyllum

Guizhou Province, China: consumed as daily tea by mountain populations with documented longevity and low rates of hypertension and cancerTCM (relatively recent adoption): adaptogenic, anti-fatigue, cardiovascular tonic; used since Ming Dynasty (15th century) in GuizhouJapanese traditional medicine (Amachazuru): fatigue remedy and longevity tea; widely sold as 'immortality herb' supplement

Juniper

Juniperus communis

Urinary tract infections and kidney disordersDigestive problems and poor appetiteArthritis and joint inflammation

Lavender

Lavandula angustifolia

European folk medicine for nervous conditions, insomnia, headachesWound healing and antiseptic applicationsDigestive disorders and stomach upset

Lemon Verbena

Aloysia citrodora

Digestive ailments and stomach upsetNervous tension and anxietyInsomnia and sleep disorders

Lemongrass

Cymbopogon citratus

Ayurvedic tradition uses lemongrass (bhustrina) for fever, respiratory infections, and digestive disorders; one of the classical fever herbsThai and Southeast Asian folk medicine uses lemongrass tea for colds, flu, stomach problems, and headachesBrazilian traditional medicine uses capim-limão (lemongrass) tea for anxiety, insomnia, and hypertension

Licorice

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, asthma)Digestive disorders (gastritis, ulcers, constipation)Adrenal exhaustion and chronic fatigue

Linden / Tilia

Tilia cordata

European folk medicine used linden flower tea for colds, flu, and fever since at least the Middle Ages; referenced in Hildegard von Bingen's writings (12th c.)French tisane de tilleul remains a bedtime relaxant and sleep aid in widespread popular useGerman Commission E-approved for use in cold and cough remedies

Lomatium

Lomatium dissectum

Plateau Native American peoples (Nez Perce, Yakama, Okanagan): primary antiviral and pandemic medicine; roots used during 1918 influenza pandemic with reports of high survival ratesCrow and Shoshone: dried and powdered root inhaled or smoked for respiratory infectionsGreat Basin Native Americans: root decoctions for syphilis and gonorrhea

Marshmallow

Althaea officinalis

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, sore throat)Digestive inflammation (gastritis, ulcers, colitis)Urinary tract irritation and cystitis

Moringa

Moringa oleifera

Ayurveda: Shigru — used for 300+ conditions including fever, inflammation, joint pain, and respiratory disorders; all parts used medicinallyIndian folk medicine: root bark applied as rubefacient; used for cardiac and circulatory stimulationAfrican traditional medicine: leaves used as nutritional supplement in malnutrition recovery, especially for children and pregnant women

Mullein

Verbascum thapsus

Scrophulariaceae

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, asthma)Throat inflammation and laryngitisEar infections and earache

Nutmeg

Myristica fragrans

Digestive disorders and nauseaInsomnia and nervous disordersArthritis and joint pain

Oregano

Origanum vulgare

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, asthma)Digestive disorders and poor appetiteMenstrual irregularities and painful periods

Osha

Ligusticum porteri

Respiratory ailments including altitude sicknessViral infections and immune supportDigestive disorders and stomach upset

Pau D'Arco

Tabebuia impetiginosa

Infectious diseases and immune system supportCandida and fungal infectionsCancer and tumor conditions

Pelargonium / Umckaloabo

Pelargonium sidoides

Zulu traditional medicine: root decoction for lung disease — the Zulu name 'umckaloabo' means 'heavy cough'Basotho traditional medicine (Lesotho): 'rabas' — root used for acute respiratory infections, cough, and diarrheaHistorical use: brought to England in early 20th century by Charles Stevens who was cured of TB by a Basotho healer

Peppermint

Mentha x piperita

European folk medicine for digestive disorders, nausea, flatulenceRespiratory conditions including colds, coughs, bronchitisHeadache and tension relief

Pine Needle

Pinus species

Scurvy prevention and vitamin C deficiencyRespiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, sinusitis)Urinary tract infections and kidney stones

Plantain

Plantago major

Wounds, cuts, and skin injuriesInsect bites and stingsRespiratory ailments including coughs and bronchitis

Red Clover

Trifolium pratense

Menopausal symptoms and hormonal imbalancesSkin conditions (eczema, psoriasis, wounds)Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis)

Red Root

Ceanothus americanus

Lymphatic system congestionSore throat and respiratory infectionsSpleen disorders and enlargement

Reishi Mushroom

Ganoderma lucidum

Ganodermataceae

Spiritual enhancement and longevityRespiratory conditions and asthmaLiver protection and detoxification

Rose Hips

Rosa canina

Scurvy prevention and vitamin C deficiencyImmune system supportDigestive ailments and diarrhea

Sassafras

Sassafras albidum

Blood purification and "spring tonic"Rheumatism and arthritisSkin conditions and eczema

Saw Palmetto

Serenoa repens

Urinary tract disorders and difficult urinationProstate enlargement and inflammationReproductive health and libido enhancement

Schisandra

Schisandra chinensis

Liver protection and regenerationLung disorders and chronic coughKidney weakness and frequent urination

Slippery Elm

Ulmus rubra

Digestive disorders (diarrhea, dysentery, stomach ulcers)Respiratory conditions (sore throat, coughs, bronchitis)Skin conditions (wounds, burns, boils, inflammation)

Spilanthes / Toothache Plant

Acmella oleracea (syn. Spilanthes acmella, S. oleracea)

Brazilian indigenous use: fresh flower heads applied directly to teeth and gums for toothache — the most universal traditional useIndian Ayurvedic and folk medicine: treatment of toothache, gingivitis, and oral infections; used in traditional dentistryNepalese traditional medicine: treatment of malaria, fever, and stomach parasites

St. John's Wort

Hypericum perforatum

European folk medicine for melancholy, anxiety, nervous disordersWound healing and treatment of burns, cutsRespiratory conditions and bronchitis

Star Anise

Illicium verum

Digestive disorders and bloatingRespiratory ailments including coughs and bronchitisInfluenza and viral infections

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Respiratory conditions (coughs, bronchitis, whooping cough)Digestive complaints and poor appetiteUrinary tract infections

Turmeric

Curcuma longa

Ayurvedic medicine for inflammation, digestive disorders, skin conditionsTraditional Chinese Medicine for blood stagnation and qi circulationWound healing and antiseptic applications

Violet

Viola odorata

Respiratory conditions and coughsSkin conditions and inflammationEye irritations and conjunctivitis

Wild Cherry

Prunus serotina

Coughs and respiratory ailmentsBronchitis and asthmaDigestive disorders and diarrhea

Wintergreen

Gaultheria procumbens

Pain relief and anti-inflammatory conditionsRheumatism and arthritisMuscle and joint pain

Wood Betony

Stachys betonica

Nervous system disorders and anxietyHeadaches and migrainesDigestive weakness and poor appetite

Yerba Santa

Eriodictyon californicum

Hydrophyllaceae

Chumash, Yokuts, and other California Native peoples: primary respiratory medicine for coughs, colds, asthma, and tuberculosis; leaves smoked or made into teaSpanish missionaries in California: adopted the herb enthusiastically, giving it the name 'yerba santa' (holy herb)Costanoan tradition: poultice of warmed, resinous leaves applied to rheumatic joints and sprains

Disclaimer: For educational purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.